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If he persists in saying, &#8220I do not want to marry her,&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The elders of the town will then summon him and talk with him. If he still refuses and says, ‘I don’t want to marry her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/25.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he persists, saying, ‘I do not wish to take her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, “I do not want to marry her,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/25.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and <i>if</i> he stand <i>to it</i>, and say, I like not to take her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/25.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him. But <i>if</i> he stands firm and says, ‘I do not want to take her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/25.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And <i>if</i> he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/25.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And if he persists and says, &#8216I do not desire to take her,&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/25.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And <i>if</i> he persists and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. And <i>if</i> he stands and says, ‘I do not desire to take her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/deuteronomy/25.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city will summon him and speak to him. And if he stands firm and says, ‘I do not want to marry her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of his city will summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, ‘I don’t want to marry her,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The elders of his city will summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, &#8216I don&#8217t want to marry her,&#8217<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/deuteronomy/25.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand, and say, I like not to take her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/deuteronomy/25.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The leaders will call the living brother to the town gate and try to persuade him to marry the widow. But if he doesn't change his mind and marry her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/deuteronomy/25.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him: and if he stand, and say, I like not to take her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/25.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the leaders of the city must summon him and talk to him. If he persists in saying that he doesn't want to marry her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Then the town leaders are to summon him and speak to him. If he still refuses to marry her, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/deuteronomy/25.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of the city are to summon him and speak with him. If he insists on saying, 'I don't want to marry her,' <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him. If he persists and says, ?I do not want to marry her,?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/deuteronomy/25.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city must summon him and speak to him. If he persists, saying, "I don't want to marry her,"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him: and if he stand, and say, "I do not want to take her";<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him: and if he shall stand to it, and say, I like not to take her,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/deuteronomy/25.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him. If he stands and says, “I don’t want to take her,” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/25.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and [the] elderly of his city have called for him, and spoken to him, and he has stood and said, I have no desire to take her.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the elders of his city have called for him, and spoken unto him, and he hath stood and said, I have no desire to take her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the old men of his city called to him and spake to him: and he stood and said, I desired not to take her.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they shall cause him to be sent for forthwith, and shall ask him. If he answer: I will not take her to wife: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/25.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And immediately, they shall summon him to be sent, and they shall question him. If he responds, ‘I am not willing to accept her as a wife,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/25.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thereupon the elders of his city shall summon him and speak to him. If he persists in saying, “I do not want to marry her,”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/25.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the elders of his town shall summon him and speak to him. If he persists, saying, “I have no desire to marry her,”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/25.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him; and if he should rise up and say, I will not take her;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/25.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The Elders of her town shall call him and they shall speak with him, and if he shall rise and he will say: 'I am not taking her':<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/25.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak unto him; and if he stand, and say: 'I like not to take her';<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/deuteronomy/25.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him; and if he stand and say, I will not take her:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=6750" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/25.htm">Widowhood and Marriage</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>But if the man does not want to marry his brother’s widow, she is to go to the elders at the city gate and say, “My husband’s brother refuses to preserve his brother’s name in Israel. He is not willing to perform the duty of a brother-in-law for me.” <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2205.htm" title="2205: ziq·nê- (Adj-mpc) -- Old. From zaqen; old.">Then the elders</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘î·rōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of his city</a> <a href="/hebrew/7121.htm" title="7121: wə·qā·rə·’ū- (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To call, proclaim, read. A primitive root; to call out to.">shall summon</a> <a href="/hebrew/lōw (Prep:: 3ms) -- ">him</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: wə·ḏib·bə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConjPerf-3cp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">and speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">with him.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: wə·‘ā·maḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">If he persists</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wə·’ā·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and says,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">“I do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2654.htm" title="2654: ḥā·p̄aṣ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to incline to; by implication to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire.">want</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: lə·qaḥ·tāh (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">to marry her,”</a> </span><span class="reftext">9</span>his brother’s widow shall go up to him in the presence of the elders, remove his sandal, spit in his face, and declare, “This is what is done to the man who will not maintain his brother’s line.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ruth/4-1.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Boaz went to the gate and sat down there. Soon the kinsman-redeemer of whom he had spoken came along, and Boaz said, “Come over here, my friend, and sit down.” So he went over and sat down. / Then Boaz took ten of the elders of the city and said, “Sit here,” and they did so. / And he said to the kinsman-redeemer, “Naomi, who has returned from the land of Moab, is selling the piece of land that belonged to our brother Elimelech. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15-17</a></span><br />If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. / But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ / If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-25.htm">Leviticus 25:25</a></span><br />If your brother becomes impoverished and sells some of his property, his nearest of kin may come and redeem what his brother has sold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/27-1.htm">Numbers 27:1-11</a></span><br />Now the daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. These were the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. They approached / the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders, and the whole congregation, and said, / “Our father died in the wilderness, but he was not among the followers of Korah who gathered together against the LORD. Instead, he died because of his own sin, and he had no sons. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/6-1.htm">1 Corinthians 6:1-6</a></span><br />If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! / Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? / Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/38-8.htm">Genesis 38:8-10</a></span><br />Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife. Perform your duty as her brother-in-law and raise up offspring for your brother.” / But Onan knew that the offspring would not belong to him; so whenever he would sleep with his brother’s wife, he would spill his seed on the ground so that he would not produce offspring for his brother. / What he did was wicked in the sight of the LORD, so He put Onan to death as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">1 Timothy 5:8</a></span><br />If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-1.htm">Galatians 6:1</a></span><br />Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/5-12.htm">1 Corinthians 5:12-13</a></span><br />What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? / God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">1 Peter 4:8</a></span><br />Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3</a></span><br />Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-14.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:14-15</a></span><br />Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. / Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-9.htm">Proverbs 25:9</a></span><br />Argue your case with your neighbor without betraying another’s confidence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a></span><br />“Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the elders of his city shall call him, and speak to him: and if he stand to it, and say, I like not to take her;</p><p class="hdg">I like not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ruth/4-6.htm">Ruth 4:6</a></b></br> And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem <i>it</i> for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem <i>it</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/22-24.htm">City</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-21.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/24-11.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-17.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/numbers/22-20.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-17.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm">Want</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/23-24.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/28-3.htm">City</a> <a href="/joshua/14-7.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Elders</a> <a href="/joshua/23-12.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-1.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/26-5.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-12.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/31-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/33-19.htm">Summon</a> <a href="/joshua/2-14.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-48.htm">Want</a> <a href="/joshua/7-7.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 25</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-1.htm">Punishment must not exceed forty lashes</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-4.htm">The ox is not to be muzzled</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Of raising seed unto a brother</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-11.htm">Of the immodest woman</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-13.htm">Of unjust weights and measures</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">The memory of Amalek is to be blotted out</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/25.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/deuteronomy/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/deuteronomy/25.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then the elders of his city shall summon him and speak with him.</b><br>In ancient Israel, the elders held a significant role in maintaining justice and order within the community. They were respected leaders, often chosen for their wisdom and experience. The city gate was a common place for legal matters to be addressed, as seen in <a href="/ruth/4.htm">Ruth 4:1-11</a>. This setting underscores the communal nature of justice in Israelite society, where personal matters were also community concerns. The elders' involvement highlights the importance of accountability and the communal responsibility to uphold God's laws, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/16-18.htm">Deuteronomy 16:18-20</a>, where judges and officials are appointed to ensure justice.<p><b>If he persists and says,</b><br>The persistence of the man in refusing to marry the widow indicates a deliberate choice, despite the societal and familial expectations. This reflects the tension between personal desires and communal obligations. The law of levirate marriage, as outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-5.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10</a>, was designed to protect the widow and preserve the family line. The man's refusal could be seen as a failure to fulfill his duty, which was not only a personal decision but also a public matter, affecting the community's perception of justice and righteousness.<p><b>“I do not want to marry her,”</b><br>This statement of refusal is significant in the context of levirate marriage, where the brother-in-law was expected to marry the widow to produce offspring for the deceased brother. The refusal could be motivated by various factors, such as financial concerns, personal dislike, or the desire to avoid additional responsibilities. This act of refusal was not without consequence, as it led to a public ceremony of shame, described in <a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm">Deuteronomy 25:9-10</a>, where the widow would remove his sandal and spit in his face. This public act served as a deterrent and a reminder of the importance of familial duty. The refusal also contrasts with the selfless love and sacrifice exemplified by Christ, who is often seen as the ultimate kinsman-redeemer, fulfilling the law and offering redemption to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elders_of_the_city.htm">Elders of the City</a></b><br>These are the respected leaders or judges within the community who are responsible for maintaining justice and order. In ancient Israel, elders played a crucial role in legal and social matters.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_brother-in-law.htm">The Brother-in-Law</a></b><br>The man who is being addressed by the elders. He is the brother of the deceased husband and is expected to marry the widow to carry on his brother's name, a practice known as levirate marriage.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_widow.htm">The Widow</a></b><br>The woman whose husband has died without leaving a male heir. According to the custom, she is to be married by her brother-in-law to ensure the continuation of her deceased husband's lineage.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_city.htm">The City</a></b><br>Represents the local community where the family resides. It is the setting for the legal and social proceedings described in the verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/l/levirate_marriage.htm">Levirate Marriage</a></b><br>An ancient custom where a man is obliged to marry his brother's widow if the brother dies without a male heir. This practice is intended to preserve the family line and provide for the widow.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_in_justice.htm">The Role of Community in Justice</a></b><br>The involvement of the city elders underscores the importance of community in upholding justice and social order. It reminds us of the need for accountability and wise counsel in our own communities.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/family_responsibility_and_duty.htm">Family Responsibility and Duty</a></b><br>The expectation placed on the brother-in-law highlights the value of family responsibility and duty. In our lives, we are called to care for and support our family members, especially in times of need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/respect_for_individual_choice.htm">Respect for Individual Choice</a></b><br>While there is a cultural expectation, the brother-in-law's choice is respected, showing the balance between duty and personal freedom. This teaches us to respect individual decisions while understanding communal expectations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preservation_of_legacy.htm">Preservation of Legacy</a></b><br>The practice of levirate marriage emphasizes the importance of preserving family legacy and heritage. We are encouraged to consider how we can contribute to the legacy of our own families and communities.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_25.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 25</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_the_old_testament_elders.htm">Who were the elders in the Old Testament?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_the_ruth_4_7_shoe_ritual_unique.htm">In Ruth 4:7, is the “shoe exchange” ceremony documented elsewhere in ancient Near Eastern records, or is it unique to this text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_levirate_marriage_conflict_biblically.htm">Deuteronomy 25:5-10: Does the levirate marriage requirement conflict with other Biblical passages on remarriage or widows?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_2_kings_25_8_and_jer_52_12.htm">In 2 Kings 25:8, the city falls on the seventh day of the fifth month, while Jeremiah 52:12 reports the tenth day--how can these differing dates be reconciled?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then the elders</span><br /><span class="heb">זִקְנֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(ziq·nê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Old</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his city</span><br /><span class="heb">עִיר֖וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(‘î·rōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> </span><span class="str2">Excitement</span><br /><br /><span class="word">shall summon</span><br /><span class="heb">וְקָֽרְאוּ־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·qā·rə·’ū-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7121.htm">Strong's 7121: </a> </span><span class="str2">To call, proclaim, read</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him</span><br /><span class="heb">ל֥וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">and speak</span><br /><span class="heb">וְדִבְּר֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḏib·bə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with him.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֑יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">If he persists</span><br /><span class="heb">וְעָמַ֣ד</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘ā·maḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and says,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָמַ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·mar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">want</span><br /><span class="heb">חָפַ֖צְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(ḥā·p̄aṣ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2654.htm">Strong's 2654: </a> </span><span class="str2">To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to marry her,”</span><br /><span class="heb">לְקַחְתָּֽהּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lə·qaḥ·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">Deuteronomy 25:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/deuteronomy/25-8.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 25:8 Then the elders of his city shall (Deut. De Du)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Deuteronomy 25:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 25:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/deuteronomy/25-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Deuteronomy 25:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Deuteronomy 25:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>